Houston, we don't have a problem

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Donnie Avery (11) falls into the end zone for a touchdown ahead of Detroit Lions cornerbacks Chris Houston (23) and Drayton Florence (31) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)

ALLEN PARK — After missing the first two games of the season with an ankle injury, cornerback Chris Houston has been the steady presence in the Detroit Lions backfield which has been decimated by injuries.

Houston was an Atlanta Falcons’ castoff when the Lions traded for him in 2010.

Detroit has been a good fit. He’s seen quite an improvement in his game.

“My knowledge of the game, put myself in position to make plays, my focus and my ball skills,’’ Houston said on Thursday.

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He’s fourth on the team with 49 tackles and has two interceptions, nine pass defenses and a forced fumble.

“You know, he’s a couple of words – accountable, available, reliable,’’ Lions defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham said. “He’s all of those. I told Chris Greenwood this morning, I said, ‘Watching Chris Houston drives me crazy because he looks laid back and relaxed.’ You don’t think he has that competitive edge to him, but yet that’s what he is. He’s a competitor and he shows up ...’’

Houston is one of many Lions defensemen who will be a free agent when this season is over.

Father and son reunion

Lions wide receiver Brian Robiskie will see his dad, Terry Robiskie, on Saturday night at Ford Field during warmups prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons.

“I’ll tell him Merry Christmas and good luck and put my helmet on and keep warming up,’’ Brian Robiskie said.

His dad, Terry, is the Falcons wide receivers coach. This will be the second time father and son have opposed each other in the NFL regular season. The first time came when Robiskie played for the Cleveland Browns.

“During the season we both have pretty hectic schedules, pretty crazy schedules. We normally text right before the game or right after the game,’’ Brian Robiskie said. “This week I’m waiting to see, I’m not anticipating any texts from him before the game.’’

Robiskie, who played at Ohio State, has played in three games since the Lions signed him on Oct. 24 after Nate Burleson broke his leg. He has just one catch for nine yards.

He’s not sure if his dad would tell the Falcons’ defensive coaches about his son.

“He’s known me longer than anybody so if somebody knows my tendencies or what I’m good at, he knows it,’’ Brian Robiskie said.

Ins and outs

Brandon Pettigrew is highly unlikely to play on Saturday night against the Atlanta Falcons. The Detroit Lions tight end was not at practice today (Thursday) and has not practiced since he injured his ankle in the loss at Green Bay two weeks ago.

Calvin Johnson (knee), Mikel Leshoure (calf) and DeAndre Levy (ankle) were limited for the second straight practice. All three are expected to play on Saturday night at Ford Field.